What is a Bucks Party? A Complete Guide to Bucks Parties in Australia

What is a Bucks Party

Been asked to plan a bucks party, or set to attend one soon? Then you may be
wondering what a bucks party is, and what happens at a bucks party. A bucks
party (also known as a bachelor party) is an important event, marking the groom- to-be’s transition into married life.

One of the key parts of the lead-up to a wedding, these typically male-only
events celebrate the groom-to-be’s last night as a single man/bachelor, while
also being a chance for him to gather with his closest male friends and family.
Typically involving activities, drinking, and lots of socialising, they’re a fun way to have a big night out before the groom gets married.

The Origins of Bucks Parties

We can trace bucks parties back to the 5th century BC, all the way to Ancient Sparta. In those days, bucks parties were extravagant banquets held by Spartan soldiers, typically at the groom-to-be’s family home. They’d involve a toast to the groom-to-be, while he gave a pledge of loyalty to the attendees.

These days, bucks parties are much more light-hearted events, involving
activities, frivolity, and a party-like atmosphere. Ancient bucks parties,
meanwhile, were more serious, formal affairs. Of course, if you’re a groom-to-be that loves traditions (or you’re organising a bucks party for a groom who doesn’t mind a throwback) then a sit down dinner is never a bad option!

Why Do People Celebrate Bucks Parties?

Bucks parties are a chance for grooms-to-be to celebrate their last night as a
bachelor, as well as give their friends and family a chance to show the groom-to-be how much they appreciate them. Bucks parties allow for social groups to make memories together, as well as bring together different groups that are
important parts of the groom’s life.

They’re the male equivalent of a hen’s party/bridal shower, and are an important part of the transition from singledom to married life. A great bucks party can be the source of many happy memories for years to come, which is why we’re so passionate about getting the planning right!

Common Activities at a Bucks Party

Films like The Hangover and Bachelor Party might make bucks parties look like the ultimate source of debauchery and hedonism, but they’re not always like that. At a typical bucks party, men will have a few beers together, and take part in some activities, including golf, paintball, go karting, or poker.

What happens at a bucks party depends on the groom-to-be, and their preferences. Some grooms-to-be will go for a low-key, laid-back affair with a few close male confidantes, while some others will want their best man to organise a wild party they won’t remember. If you are organising a bucks party, make sure you check in with the groom-to-be before booking everything in!

How to Plan a Bucks Party

If you’re wondering how to plan a bucks party, then there are a few things you’ll want to do. You should:

- Speak with the groom-to-be (and/or some close friends) to understand
what they want from a bucks party, and what they want to avoid
- Work with the groomsmen to chip in for the bucks party and establish a
bucks party
- Choose the activities based on the groom-to-be’s interests
- Put together a guest list (more on that in a moment)
- Book everything in, and enjoy the fun!

Stumped by what to organise for a bucks party? Don’t sweat it. From the tame to the truly out there, we’ve got activities that’ll make the party a winner!

Who Should You Invite to a Bucks Party?

Wondering who should make the cut when putting together the guest list for a bucks party? This might just be the most important part of the event, as you want to balance inviting who the groom wants there, with group dynamics. Of course, the best man, and the groomsmen, are a must!

Planning a wild night? It may make sense to avoid inviting too many of the groom-to-be’s family, especially older members. On the other hand, if it’s set to be a little more laid-back, then inviting family and friends can make for a memorable occasion. Either way, give the buck a heads up before you finalise the guest list—that way, you can ensure you haven’t forgotten anyone!

Plan the Ultimate Bucks Party with The Bucks Co

While they are undoubtedly a ton of fun, bucks parties are also an important part of the lead-up to a wedding, and the transition from single to married life. If you’re planning a bucks party, but need a bit of help, then our team at The Bucks Co are ready to take care of the planning, so you can focus on having fun.

We organise bucks parties across Australia, including in Melbourne, in Adelaide, on the Gold Coast, in Perth, on the Sunshine Coast, in Sydney, and in Brisbane.

Is a destination bucks party on the cards? You can’t go wrong with a trip to Bali, and we can help you make it a holiday full of a lifetime’s worth of memories!

What is a Bucks Party? A Complete Guide to Bucks Parties in Australia

If you're planning one and still wondering what a bucks party actually is, you’re not alone. This rite of passage comes with its own rules, legends, and loose traditions — and we’re here to break it all down. Whether you’re the best man, the brother, or the bloke who somehow got put in charge, this is your no-nonsense guide to getting it right.

The history behind the party

The bucks party (also called a stag do in the UK or bachelor party in the US) has been around in some form since the 5th century. Back then, Spartan soldiers held a dinner in honour of their mate about to be married. Today’s version looks a little different — and it’s probably best that way.

In Australia, the bucks party is all about giving the groom one last hurrah before married life kicks off. It’s a chance to get the crew together, celebrate, and send him off in style. That doesn’t always mean chaos. It might be a big weekend, a low-key hang, or a combo of both. The point is the same: make it fun and make it his.

When should it happen?

There’s no hard rule, but most bucks parties take place a few weeks before the wedding. That way, there’s time to recover (physically and socially) and avoid any awkward pre-wedding injuries or stories. Some groups go all-out with a weekend away. Others stick to one big night. Either way, it pays to plan ahead.

Who’s invited?

Usually, the best man gets the invite list from the groom. That could include close mates, siblings, cousins, and sometimes even dads or uncles depending on the vibe. It’s not about numbers — it’s about getting the right crew together. The golden rule? Don’t invite anyone who isn’t invited to the wedding.

What actually happens at a bucks party?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s part of the fun. Some bucks parties are wild. Some are classy. Some manage to be both.

Here are some common picks:

• Adventure activities like axe throwing, jet boating or go-karting

• Sporty options like golf days, paintball or bubble soccer

• Food and drink like brewery tours, whisky tastings or pub crawls

• Entertainment from comedy shows to poker nights

• Weekend getaways to places like the Gold Coast, Byron Bay or even overseas

The Bucks Co makes it easy to bundle these into a single package that fits the groom’s style and your group’s budget. No stress, no spreadsheets, just fun.

What about traditions?

Traditions are more like loose guidelines these days. The embarrassing costumes, dares and roast speeches? Optional. If your groom’s into that, go wild. If not, skip it. The modern bucks party is about curating a day or weekend that fits the guy at the centre of it all. The days of one-size-fits-all debauchery are long gone.

What NOT to do

Let’s be real: not every bucks party ends up a highlight reel. A few things to avoid:

• Booking too late and missing out on decent venues or experiences

• Ignoring the groom’s preferences (it’s not your party)

• Leaving out key mates because someone forgot to check the list

• Getting sloppy with the budget and expecting others to cover it

• Overcomplicating the schedule to the point no one knows what’s happening

Planning through The Bucks Co helps you dodge all that. We know what works, we’ve seen what doesn’t, and we’re here to help you land somewhere in the middle of unforgettable and functional.

Why book with The Bucks Co?

If this is your first rodeo, we’ve got you. Our team can help you pull together a bucks party that’s exciting, stress-free and completely customisable. We offer:

• Activities across Australia to suit all party vibes

• Easy online planning with no messy group chats

• Transparent pricing and flexible payment options

• Local knowledge and customer support that actually helps

No matter where your crew is based, or what the groom’s into, we’ll help you put together something that’s easy to plan and fun to pull off. Whether you’re going all-in or keeping it simple, we’re here to help.